Scanning Microscopy Spectral Discrimination Airy Disks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-resolution scanning microscopy methods require multiple color detectors and precise alignment, leading to increased costs and potential chromatic aberration issues when attempting to achieve high-resolution imaging across multiple color channels.
Innovation Solution
A method and microscope design that utilize a spectrally selective element to generate offset Airy disks on a single two-dimensional detector, allowing for discrimination between multiple wavelength ranges without the need for multiple detectors, by creating a diffraction image composed of mutually offset Airy disks, which are evaluated to generate high-resolution images beyond the diffraction limit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple color detectors are used to capture multiple wavelength ranges, then spectral discrimination capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral information capture by using a single detector to record spatially separated diffraction images for different wavelength ranges. Each wavelength range produces a distinct diffraction pattern that can be independently evaluated, effectively dividing the spectral discrimination task across spatial domains rather than requiring multiple detectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spectral dimension separation (multiple detectors for different wavelengths) to spatial dimension separation (single detector capturing spatially offset diffraction images). By encoding wavelength information in the spatial position of diffraction images, the system achieves spectral discrimination without multiplying detector components
2Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used for high-resolution imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging task by capturing multiple diffraction images at different scanning positions with a single detector. Each diffraction image contributes to the final high-resolution reconstruction, eliminating the need for precise alignment between multiple detectors while maintaining measurement precision through computational integration of segmented data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of the diffraction image at different spatial positions on the same detector during scanning. These copied images are then computationally combined to achieve super-resolution, replacing the need for multiple physical detectors with computationally generated image copies
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables high-resolution imaging and spectral information capture using a single two-dimensional detector, reducing costs and eliminating the need for precise alignment of multiple detectors, while maintaining accurate color channel discrimination.
Implementation Method 1
a spectrally selective element is provided which generates a number of Airy disks corresponding to the at least two wavelength ranges on the two-dimensional detector, and which are offset laterally from one another in such a way that the diffraction image consists of the mutually offset Airy disks
Implementation Method 2
the illumination radiation is focused to a point in or on the sample to form a diffraction-limited illumination spot
Implementation Method 3
the sample is excited by illumination radiation to emit fluorescent radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A microscopy high-resolution scanning method, including exciting a sample with illumination radiation focused at a point to form a diffraction-limited illumination spot so as to emit fluorescence radiation. The point is imaged in a diffraction image on a spatially resolving two-dimensional detector. The sample is scanned at scanning positions with increments that are smaller than half the diameter of the spot. An image of the sample with a resolution increased beyond a resolution limit of the image is generated from the data of the two-dimensional detector and the scanning positions. To discriminate between at least two predetermined wavelength ranges in the fluorescence radiation of the sample, Airy disks corresponding to the wavelength ranges are generated on the two-dimensional detector, the Airy disks being offset laterally from one another such that the diffraction image consists of the mutually offset Airy disks. The Airy disks are evaluated when generating the sample image.